
'Detection is, or ought to be, an exact science' For more than a century the Holmes stories have held a strange, almost inexplicable grip on the popular imagination. They are intimately associated with late Victorian and Edwardian society, yet curiously timeless in their appeal. The characters of Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson, together with their housekeeper Mrs Hudson and their address at 221B Baker Street are as familiar today as when they made their first appearance in the late 1880s. The stories have been endlessly interpreted, adapted, and modernized, but still it is to Arthur Conan Doyle's originals that we return. This new selection of some of the best of them is designed to give readers a full sense of their world: the brooding fog of London, ruined heirs in creaking mansions, and hidden crimes in the farthest-flung corners of the British Empire. The stories take Holmes's career from its early days to its close, and include the book-length Sign of the Four. Barry McCrea's introduction investigates the currents that lie beneath their surface. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.
Sherlock Holmes, a consulting detective with an unparalleled capacity for deductive reasoning, navigates the criminal underworld of Victorian London to resolve cases that baffle Scotland Yard. Accompanied by his loyal associate Dr. John Watson, Holmes applies scientific methodology to observe minute details often overlooked by others. The narrative framework typically utilizes Watson as the chronicler, providing a grounded perspective on the eccentric and often cold logic employed by his companion. These stories operate within the rigid social hierarchies of the British Empire, where Holmes must frequently contend with both cunning adversaries and the limitations of contemporary forensic technology.
Readers and critics frequently highlight the enduring appeal of the Holmes stories due to the sharp contrast between the detective's clinical detachment and Watson's humanizing presence. Discussion often centers on how these narratives established the foundational tropes of the detective genre, including the brilliant but flawed protagonist and the sidekick who serves as a proxy for the reader. The atmospheric world-building effectively captures the tension of the era, balancing intricate puzzle-solving with the social anxieties of the time. Many observers note that the pacing remains brisk, allowing the focus to stay firmly on the mechanics of the mystery rather than excessive exposition. These stories continue to be analyzed for their reflection of imperial identity and the evolving nature of criminal investigation in literature.
Page Count:
400
Publication Date:
2014-01-01
Publisher:
OUP Oxford
ISBN-10:
0191652148
ISBN-13:
9780191652141
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